Man Assaulted In His Sleep

Detectives are appealing for information after a man was sexually assaulted as he slept on a train between Brighton and East Croydon.

Investigators have released CCTV images of a man they would like to speak to in connection with the incident, which happened around 12.30am on Sunday, 14 August.

Detective Constable Andy Parkinson, of BTP’s Public Protection Unit, said: “The 24-year-old victim from Burgess Hill, was travelling on the 11.02pm Brighton to London Victoria service and had fallen asleep during the journey.

“He woke up to find his trousers had been undone and an unknown man was sitting next to him, pretending to be asleep.

“The victim, who was incredibly traumatised by the incident, shouted at the man, demanding to know why his trousers had been undone and then chased him through the carriage.”

Officers have conducted several lines of enquiry into the incident including taking witness statements, viewing CCTV in the area and circulating images on police intelligence systems, but to no avail so far.

DC Parkinson added: “We have spoken to a number of people who were travelling in the same carriage and witnessed the assault take place, and now we are appealing for help from the public to help identify this man.

“This was understandably an upsetting experience for the victim and this sort of behaviour is completely unacceptable.

“We are now asking for the public’s help to identify this man - if you think you can name him, or are the man himself, we want to hear from you.

“I am also asking anyone who was on the train at the time to come forward and assist our investigation.

“We know from our enquiries that the man left the train at East Croydon station.”